French Protestant Church of London

The French Protestant Church of London stands in Soho Square, Westminster. It is the last active Huguenot church in the city, founded in 1550 by royal charter. The current building, designed by Aston Webb, was completed in 1893 and is a Grade II* listed structure. The church has served London’s French-speaking community for over four centuries. It began as a refuge for Huguenots fleeing persecution in France after 1685. The Revocation of the Edict of Nantes drove thousands to London, where they established dozens of places of worship. The church’s history is tied to key figures like John Calvin, who sent pastor Nicolas des Gallars in 1560 to guide the young congregation. By 1700, London had 23 Huguenot churches, but only this one remains. It remains a centre of French Protestant life in Soho, a district that long hosted the community. The church is also a registered charity, supporting its own work and others through its charitable trust. Stéphane Desmarais has led the congregation as pastor since 2013. Inside, the church’s temple reflects its Presbyterian traditions with simple, dignified furnishings. The building’s architecture blends Reformed sobriety with late 19th-century craftsmanship. Services continue in French, preserving the language and liturgy of the Huguenots. The surroundings of Soho Square, once a hub of French life, still echo with the community’s legacy. The church stands as a quiet witness to four hundred years of resilience and faith.